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How to enjoy New Years in Japan.
This is an interesting subject, which is actually difficult to answer as there are many ways to enjoy New Year's in Japan. I'll try to tackle this one and give you a few options.Option one: New Years Eve Party!! During this time of the year, there are parties and events everywhere (Roppongi, Gi…(328 words)
DjMarvin
Monja Town
If you want an Tokyo "Shitamachi" experience, go to Monja Town near Tsukishima Station on the Yurakucho Line. You will find over 200 small shops that serve a Tokyo specific culinary wonder: monja. It is a delicious mix of vegetables and meats cooked on a hot table. Now a meal with beer, monja used …(71 words)
Sweet42.195
Meeting someone in Shinjuku
The most popular meeting spot in Shinjuku tends to be in front of the Studio Alta building. The building is close to the station and is convenient to shopping and nightlife on the east side of the station. But if you are either coming from the west side, or meeting someone staying at any of the m…(125 words)
mikekato
Leave the dog
The most popular meeting place in Shibuya is, by far, at the Hachiko statue, the famous dog. But not only is the place crowded, but the odor of tobacco is extremely difficult to bear for a non-smoker. The best place near Hachiko is inside the green train car located in the plaza area. However, t…(71 words)
mikekato
Hama-rikyu Garden
I recommend the Hama-rikyu Gardens founded in the Edo period. The place is like an oasis in Tokyo. You can relax under the numerous trees in the garden and still see the surrounding skyscrapers. It's a mix of old and modern Tokyo!How to get to this park? 7 minutes walk from Tsukijishijo station…(74 words)
makiko715
The wooded South of Tokyo
South of Tokyo, in Kanagawa prefecture, lies a quiet wood called Kiyokawa-mura. The rivers run through the steep and forested hills of this district, and it is very popular for both camping and barbecues. There are many options for simply camping, but another popular option is renting out a cottage…(128 words)
KurtisW
How do I have fun taking purikura booth photos?
The word "purikura" is shorthand for "print club" (purinto kurabu)." It refers to photo stickers that can be purchased in a photo booth. People enter a purikura booth (akin to machines that take passport photos), pop in a coin, get their photo taken against decorative and playful backgrounds, and …(95 words)
mark
Amusement Parks
Tokyo Disneyland is fun and popular but if you want to have an experience of a unique retro amusement park in Tokyo, I recommend Asakusa Hanayashiki without hesitation. It is the oldest amusement park in Japan (originally opened in 1853) It is extremely small, but there is a ton of stuff packed …(55 words)
Mayu
Futsal in Shibuya
There are several good futsal courts in Tokyo. Due to lack of land in the city center the ones with best access are often found on rooftops. One of the more spectacular options is Adidas' court on top of the Tokyu building right at Shibuya station, perfect for a breezy late night summer activity. S…(105 words)
iensu
YMCA
You could always organize futsal games and the like in one of Tokyo's many parks, but the logistics of getting to parks or the riverside can be somewhat difficult. The solution of course is to seek futsal courts within the downtown areas of Tokyo which everyone can access easily. Not to mention hav…(123 words)
KurtisW
Ping Pong and beer
Table tennis is quite often played at leisure while drinking, much like billiards and darts. EST Shibuya Takkyuu Club is located close to Shibuya station on the 9th floor of an entertainment center. Open until 4:30AM (Mon-Thu) and 5:30AM (Fri-Sun) it makes for a fun hide-out if you have missed the …(72 words)
iensu
A great way to immerse yourself in Japan
Almost every university and high school in Japan hosts a festival or fair every year around the beginning of November. In these fairs, each class is responsible for an event, such as a play, a game, cafes, food, etc. Often, each university and high school is famous for an aspect of their festival, …(97 words)
RieS
Make funny faces and have fun decorating!
Usually, at purikura machines, you take six photos. For about two of them, my friends and I just smile and do a pose. For the other four, we do funny poses or make faces that make us laugh. The best part of the experience is decorating the photos with comments, drawings and glitters. We can even ch…(121 words)
RieS
Football teams
I think many cheerleaders, according to the Texan definition, are quite visible at football events in Japan (which seems to be more popular in Kansai from my feel of things, with Kyoto University being a "powerhouse")(36 words)
Mike's
SANJA AND SAMBA CARNIVAL
MAYThis is traditional festivals (omatsuri) ！AROUD ASAKUSAhttp://www.sanjasama.jp/AUG.SAMBA CARNIVAL. SAMBA IN TOKYO(asakusa)!!http://www.asakusa-samba.org/index.htmlhttp://www.mapple.net/spots/G01300250807.htm(32 words)
karnavi
Japan Festivals and when, where and how to enjoy.
Wow, where do I begin, there are many many many festivals in around Tokyo to enjoy in the hot hot days of summer.Matsuri, Samba, Fireworks, Music! You name it Tokyo has it. Since there are so many, I'd like to guide you to this link, which has a nice list and lots of info for you to choose fr…(110 words)
DjMarvin
Eastern side of Tokyo
You can see these area in the eastern area of Tokyo. Fukagawa-area which is located around Monzen-nakacho is one of Shitamachi area and there is a Shitamachi museum where you can see the town of Edo period.Tsukishima area is also great.(42 words)
juninada
Tomioka Hachiman
Festival at Tomioka Hachiman is great. Once three years, there are lots of Omikoshi going out in the town. That is called Mizukake Matsuri (water pouring festival).I also recommend the festival at Ohtori shrine in Meguro. It is held in September.(42 words)
juninada
Roppongi, Shibuya, Ebisu, Shinjuku, Marunouchi are some good areas..
Roppongi, Shibuya, Ebisu, Shinjuku, Marunouchi are some good areas where you can meet or bump into foreigners. A971 - near midtown, PinkCow Club very near to Roppongi square, Oakdoor (in Hyat)PCM - Marunouchi - http://www.miyoshi-grp.com/cardinal/pcm/index.htmlPCA - Akasaka - http://www.miyoshi…(183 words)
suku
Join Bonodori (Bon dance) in the summer time!
I was surprised and excited that there are a lot of festivals in Tokyo.One of the summer festival called "bonodori"The Bon dance is the Japanese traditional folk dance. The home coming for the souls of ancestors, Join in the Bonodori is fun!People go to their neighborhood bonodori. Lo…(91 words)
yukorose
Omatsuri in Tokyo
I think the one of the best festival in Tokyo is the Akasuka SANJYA MATSURI this festival is held on the 3rd week of May Friday,~sunday!! In this festival both men & women participate!!! Asakusa is the last station on the Ginza line (subway)(44 words)
Pop
Kamogawa, Chiba
I recommend visiting Kamogawa, Chiba. The station name is Awa-Kamogawa and it's about 2 hours from Tokyo on JR. Nice family safe beaches a short walk from the hotels or traditional Japanese ryokans. If you're interested in surfing, the surfers are there from daybreak to sunset. Surfing rentals …(67 words)
Kevin
Surf's up; bring a notebook
If you're a surfer, make note of the best breaks you see while riding with a great view of the seaside. Record what stations you found them between and any landmarks you pass along the way.(36 words)
Hudwa
If you would like to try water ski in Tokyo..
You can sometime see water skiing in Edogawa.In Japan, you can see lots of people ride water ski in a summer time.It was actually really popular in late 80's and early 90's but it is not much popular as before.I found this website and it looks really helpful if you would like to try water…(106 words)
yukorose
Fire works party at Jingu Stadium
If it's summer time, you can see one of the most beautiful fireworks in Japan with in nice environment. Jingu Gaien Fireworks is very nice. You can enjoy fireworks at the ball park (stadium) http://www.jinguhanabi.com/(38 words)
KoheiM
You can buy "fake food" keepsakes too
You can buy fake food keepsakes online in English here! http://fakefoodjapan.com/(13 words)
Ray_Proper
OKUTAMA Camping!!!
OKUTAMA offers easy access by train from Tokyo city center and also it is a wonderful area of natural features.For more information about Camping in Japan,THE JAPAN CAMP ASSOCIATION will be helpful.Tel: (03) 3469-0217 They can probably advise on the best camping grounds for your family. …(70 words)
Nobuya
Koenji Awa Odori
Awa Odori is originate from Tokushima.It is a part of Bon dance: the parties (Ren )dance along the music of syamisen(three stringed), taiko drum, and shinobue flute with the duple beats:)One of the biggest awa odori festivals are held in Koenji. Few minutes train trip from Shinjuku.Every year, ro…(86 words)
lenamum
Plastic food samples in Japan - go to Kappabashi!
If you are in Tokyo, you can go to an area of town very close to Asakusa called Kappabashi. The area is known as the place to go for all kinds of tools, food equipment, etc. But what I liked most about the place was all the stores selling the fake plastic food. This is probably the place where r…(105 words)
William Nealy
Surfing in Chiba
Getting out of Tokyo for a 1.5 hour train ride, one can find plenty of surfing spots along the Pacific coast in Chiba. For Tokyoites, Chiba offers relatively good waves and clean water--much cleaner than the beaches of nearby Shonan (Kanagawa).Although it's easier to travel out to the beach by…(132 words)
slapshot
Digging for clams during May-July season
there are many seasides that open for visitos to collect clams during May-July. The nearest to Tokyo is the seaside at Funabashi city. If you haven't tried this, it would be a good experience, as thousands of locals will flock the seaside (quite muddy). Not like any other seasides, clams are easily…(85 words)
lucaslim
rent a bicycle to cover the wider yokohama
I have tried both, walk or cycle, and found that cycling is fun in Yokohama. One can cover all the lanes/streets by bicycle easily within a day, enjoying the elegant building structure and discover the old and new Yokohama. If you stay at Balian resorts, they have bicycles (free) standby for their…(57 words)
lucaslim
Where to get plastic food samples?
Just go to 'Tokyu hands'. (Not TOKYO but TOKYU). https://www.tokyu-hands.co.jp/en/And ask a shop assistant where to get plastic food samples. We are sure he/she will guide you to get them with smile.(39 words)
Mayu
"Gakuensai" or the fair is usually held on autumn season.
Each university fair has its own unique feature and the event generally lasts three to four days. "Gaigosai" is hosted by Tokyo University of Foreign Studies Fair Committee. There will be theater performances conducted in various languages. Students from each language department will take part in…(126 words)
Hatha Yoga Lover
Firefly Festival "Hotaru Matsuri"
Firefly festivals are held all over Japan usually at the beginning of summer. Almost every community with a waterway has one and they are open to the public. There are usually food stalls selling yaki soba (fried noodles) and yaki tori (chicken kebabs).(43 words)
Kenji
Noge Street Performance Festival
Many street performers participates to this local festivals in Noge, Yokohama. It's best to take public transport to Minato Mirai, Sakuragi-Cho, or Hinode cho stations. FYI:this year of 2013, the festival will be held on the weekend:5th, 6th Oct.(40 words)
lenamum
Myoko Kogen
I recommend Myoko Kogen in Niigata. It is not on a shinkansen (bullet train) line so it is a lot less busy to other more famous ski resorts on the shinkansen lines. You can read more about Myoko Kogen here (http://myokokogen.net/resorts/suginohara/)If you prefer nice powder snow, I recommend …(76 words)
Jase
Tokyo for Under ¥10,000/day
You might consider wandering through Tokyo station and its environs. There are many fine restaurants and the building itself has been magnificently restored.(23 words)
Joel